Marek Risk

[missmychicks]

I am picking up 3 babies, the first of my flock, and they will not be vaccinated against Marek's (just fowl pox). I have called both local vets and supply stores, but haven't had any luck. Is it worth it to buy an entire vial of vaccine on line for 3 chicks? Such a waste...

 

[nuthatched]

Where are you getting the chicks from? The Mereks vaccine doesn't prevent Mereks, it just usually keeps them from growing the lethal tumors.

 

[missmychicks]

Getting them from a fellow chicken friend who is hatching chicks this spring.

 

[nuthatched]

I fellow chicken friend who is hatching chicks this spring.

The vaccine has to be given before they're in anyway exposed to other chickens, and then they need to be kept separate for atleast two weeks for the vaccine to take.
Mereks isn't very common, I wouldn't worry.

 

[TillyPeeps]

If it's your first flock and they are in a clean brooder with good biosecurity, you shouldn't be worried about Marek's. However, if your friend's flock has Marek and he didn't keep biosecurity for the brooder, you shouldn't get these chicks since they already has the virus. The vaccination only helps reduce the risk to getting sick, but it will not stop your chickens get the virus. Never brought in chickens from someone else's flock is the best way to protect your flock from Marek.

 

[missmychicks]

If it's your first flock and they are in a clean brooder with good biosecurity, you shouldn't be worried about Marek's. However, if your friend's flock has Marek and he didn't keep biosecurity for the brooder, you shouldn't get these chicks since they already has the virus. The vaccination only helps reduce the risk to getting sick, but it will not stop your chickens get the virus. Never brought in chickens from someone else's flock is the best way to protect your flock from Marek.

Healthy and happy flock, and she does practice biosecurity so fingers crossed!